Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Green Lantern Space Ghost

By Philip Schweier
March 29, 2017 - 03:38

It’s a team-up in the old fashioned way, as our two space-born heroes meet, fight to a stalemate, then realize they’re on the same side an unite to battle a common foe.

Tynion and Sabela deliver a tolerable tale uniting Green Lantern with the Hanna-Barbera hero, Space Ghost. It could easily feature any other pair of heroes traveling the galaxy in search of adventure.

The painted artwork by Ariel Olivetti is straight out of Heavy Metal C. 1986. There is a polished texture to everything, similar to the work of Richard Corben. But the manner in which Olivetti renders GL’s constructs is a far cry from what I’m used to seeing, so a different interpretation was most welcome.

The second story features the origin of the team of Ruff ‘n Reddy, two animated animals living in a world populated by flesh-and-blood as well as traditional animated cel figures, much like Roger Rabbit. But Ruff ‘n Reddy are not a team yet. We watch as they move through various partnerships, only to see their best comedic stylings stolen by rank amateurs.

The result? The smash those amateurs to bits and keep the pieces for themselves.

Written and drawn by Howard Chaykin, the story is tribute to borscht belt comedy and stand-up routines from the dawn of television. It features Chaykin’s trademark textures and backgrounds, as well as several jokes swiped from the nights it got a little blue at the Friars Club.

Fun stuff, but as big a fan as I am of Howard Chaykin, the artwork seemed a little uneven. Maybe it’s his more realistic rendering coupled with a more cartoony Hanna-Barbera style, or perhaps he was a wee bit rushed. But like I said, I’m a fan, so I’m willing to forgive a bit. Your mileage may vary.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12